Report: Larry Foote wants to finish career with Lions

If Larry Foote's friend is right, the Detroit Lions can go from their linebacking corps being a weakness to a strength within a year. It might be a stretch, but it's still an interesting thought.

Detroit Free Press, January 30: "He wants to come back here," said Brian Blackburn, a friend of Foote's. "This is the last year of his contract, and he wants to come back here and play for the Lions for about four years and call it quits after that."

The Steelers linebacker, who went to Detroit Pershing and the University of Michigan, acknowledged that it's possible his time in Pittsburgh is coming to a close.

Foote was not asked about the Lions today. But asked whether this could be his last season with the Steelers, even though he is signed for 2009, he said: "It could possibly be that way. We're running out of room here on this team. Hopefully, we'll see what happens in the off-season."

For two years, Foote has held off first-round pick Lawrence Timmons for a starting job.

"But he's showing what he can do," Foote said. "He's definitely the future of this team. We'll just see what happens."

Umm, if the Lions can address their need for a big defensive tackle – Albert Haynesworth, anyone? – then take, say, Aaron Curry with the top pick and a corner with the No. 20 pick. I'd say you just made your defense waaaaay better. Of course it's all speculation and conjecture, but that's all we can really do right now.